Do writing samples matter most?

[hopeful80]

I am applying to about 4 Masters in Professional Writing programs (and 6 communications ones, but that's for another thread!) One of my dream schools is Carnegie Mellon - I just sent in my application for them yesterday (waiting on 2 recommendations, but that's it!)

 

Here's the thing .. I have a low GPA (3.0, but from a top 10 undergraduate business school), higher Major GPA (about a 3.6) and not very good GRE scores (let's just say, around 50% for V and worse for Q :/)

 

However, I scored a 5.5 on my AWA, submitted some high quality writing samples (published news articles and academic papers which earned a 100% in class), and poured my everything into my personal statement (which garnered very positive feedback from some unbiased parties.)

 

With that said ... of course admissions said everything was weighted equally, but I just want to know if for a professional writing program, if you think the ability to write is most important. Everywhere else in my application is quite weak except for my writing.

 

I hope that counts for something ...

Edited January 12, 2013 by hopeful80

[DontHate]

I think you have a good shot. Writing samples definitely do matter a lot. Some would say they are the most important part of the application, but since they take the longest to examine, there are certain factors that will determine the chance your sample will even get read. If you have a great personal statement, I'd say that definitely ups your chances of getting them to read your sample. 

 

Good luck!

[bluecheese]

I agree that you should be okay. I don't think you're going to get eliminated right off the bat for the lower scores from a professional writing program. They're going to be more concerned with your writing sample, and how "professional" your application packet looks I suspect. They want people they'll  be able to secure jobs for.

[hopeful80]

Phew! Thanks for the feedback guys. I know I can't be so sure, but I hoped that it might be the case, since it is a "writing" program after all.

 

Will keep my fingers crossed

[bluecheese]

Best of luck!